Description
South Pacific was my first main stage production at Village Theatre and I had an absolute blast. It felt great to be working on an equity stage again and I made lots of great new friends in the Seattle musical theater scene working on this show. Highlights included getting to know Rob Estes (Melrose Place) and having secret Pumpkin Pals in the cast.
Synopsis
The musical takes place on an island in the South Pacific during World War II. During a dinner party, the charming young American nurse, Nellie Forbush, meets Emile de Becque, a wealthy middle-aged French plantation owner who has lived ont he island for many years. Two weeks later, the two realize that over the course of that "Enchanted Evening," they fell in love. Emile proposes, but Nellie is concerned about the differences in their ages and backgrounds. Seeking the advice of the other nurses on the island, she tries to "Wash that Man Right Out-a Her Hair."
Stationed on the island are a Naval Fleet of Seabees, Sailors and Marines -- out of the action of the war, bored and longing for the company of available women. They are joined by Lieutenant Cable, a young Marine sent to head a mission to create a spy post on a Japanese-held island. Bloody Mary, an island local, instantly sees the handsome Lieutenant as a potential husband for her daughter, Liat. The Lieutenant quickly falls in love with the beautiful Liat, but worries that their cultural differences will never allow them to be together.
Cable continues to plan his mission, realizing that Emile de Becque knows the island terrain best and would be an asset on his dangerous endeavor. He enlists Nellie's help to persuade Emile to join him on the mission. Meanwhile, the budding romance between Nellie and Emile becomes troubled as she discovers details of his past.
Emile agrees to Cable's guide and they embark on the mission. An unfortunate event helps Nellie to overcome her prejudice and she sees that what really matters is love.
